Mini Avocado, Hummus and Feta Quesadillas From Yummly

Tacos, burritos, and our favourite, quesadillas come from the Southern regions of Mexico and are traditionally made with a flat circle of cooked corn masa, or "tortilla," folded in half and filled with lettuce, onion, tomato, capsicum, your choice of protein and lots and lots of cheese and toasted in a skillet or a panini press until the tortilla is golden crispy and the cheese is perfectly melted. Quesadillas are one of my favourite go-to, quick meals and great for using up leftover roasted veggies and chicken in the fridge. 

While you can't go wrong with ham and cheese quesadillas with most minis, bring them into the kitchen with you for an easy cooking lesson and encourage them to add more veggies into their meals. 

We love Hungry Happy Healthy's Mini Avocado, Hummus, and Feta Quesadillas posted on Yummly. Avocados are a superfood full of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, great for heart health and our kids' developing brains. Brains are compromised of 60% fat, so a child's developing brain benefits the most from high-quality fats easily accessible from avocados. 

Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, is a good source of plant-based protein to help control blood sugar levels and are naturally high in fibre. For this recipe, we're opting for feta cheese because it's a lower calorie option cheese while still being equally tasty. Feel free to add any veggies or meat you like to this recipe. When we tried it, we stuck to the original, but it would be great with leftover shredded chicken or add fried egg for a breakfast quesadilla to fuel the day. 

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 4
4 tortilla wraps (large whole wheat)
2 avocado (thinly sliced)
16 teaspoons hummus (caramelised onion)
4 jalapeno chilies (diced, optional)
60 grams feta cheese
chili flakes (A sprinkle of red, optional)

Image Source: Hungry Happy Healthy (Yummly)

Directions

1) Stack the tortillas on top of each other and cut out 4 circles, so you are left with 16 circles.

2) Divide the jalapeños between the tortillas and top with the caramelised onion hummus.

3) Divide the avocado amongst the tortillas and then sprinkle the feta on top. Add the red chili flakes on top.

4) Fold the tortillas over so it is a half moon shape and then add to a hot, dry pan and cook for 45 seconds each side.

Serve with your favourite salsa our sour cream. Our favourite sour cream dupe is plain Greek Yoghurt because it has less sugar and natural probiotics for a happy healthy gut. 

Image Source: Hungry Happy Healthy (Yummly)

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How mini Makes the Perfect Nanny Match

Finding the perfect nanny match begins with you. We encourage families to get tactical when it comes to hiring a nanny and we want to help you make an informed decision. After all, childcare solution is an important matter considering your future nanny will also be partially responsible for raising your children. Weigh your options carefully and make sure it’s a decision your family feels good about.

Every client-family has a different idea of their perfect nanny, and it’s our mission as a nanny agency to uncover both the family and nanny’s values to make that perfect match. You can rest-assured that every nanny we represent has gone through the mini Nanny Agency screening process. We curate your nanny candidate shortlist based on your values and mini's high standards. 

Mini Nanny Agencies Nanny Requirements:

1. Love for Children

We only entertain the candidates that share our love for children. These people are inherently kind, nurturing, and creative. mini Nanny Agency employs a psychometric test that determines how suitable candidates are to the nannying field. This gives us a better idea of who the candidate is beyond their resume. 
 

2. Responsible

It’s essential for all nannies to have the right skills to make good judgment calls and know how to communicate with their employers. This includes being reliable and taking ownership of their actions. It’s the understanding that nannying is not a glorified babysitter and it’s certainly not a ‘slacker’ job.
 

3. Experience

All of our nannies will come to your short list with First Aid and Blue Card certifications, as required by the state of Queensland. They will also have previous experience working with children although the extensiveness every candidate's experiences vary. 

Preparation from the Family:

Communication 

Every family will have a different version of their perfect nanny. Communication with both your nanny recruiter and your candidates is essential. Tell us everything we need to know about your household and expectations to provide us with insight into what you’re looking for in a nanny. Think about your family’s routines and where you can use an extra pair of helping hands when it comes to supporting your children. 

Values

Consider what your values are. This is mini’s starting point for matching the perfect nanny for our clients. Values are inherently learned in the household and are passed on from generation to generation. These values might look like a family’s structure, function, roles, beliefs, attitudes, and ideals. Values create the foundation of how you want to live your family life and can solidify the bond your family has. We believe the key to a successful match is finding a nanny who shares your values.

Age vs. Experience

Both younger and older nannies have their advantages and disadvantages. Younger nannies tend to be livelier and much more energetic which is great if you have active kids. Since younger nannies are looking to gain more experience, they also tend to be the most cost effective option. 
 
The downside to hiring a younger nanny is that they may lack the maturity and experience for dealing with discipline and difficult situations. The university students and traveler candidates might have taken on nannying as a way to make extra cash so their level of dedication and availability might be limiting for your requirements, so keep all of this mind. 
 
While older candidates might lack in energy and relatability to your kids, they make up for in experience, especially moms who have dealt with the same matters as yourself first hand and tend to be much more understanding and can offer a different kind of support to you as parents. 

Budget 

Your budget can oftentimes determine the candidates available to you. The more experienced nannies have made a career out of caring for children and come at a higher cost for their services. While we can guide you on how much you should compensate your nannies, it’s really a conversation to be had between you and your nanny. 
 
mini Guide: Nanny Employment Agreement

Trial Period

Once you think you’ve met the perfect nanny for your family, you’ll still need see how you work as a team. It may take 2 weeks to see if you’ve made the right decision with your nanny. Remember to be fair, and give them a chance. After all, it is a new job and new routine for the nanny, children, and you, as parents, to adjust to. Use your instincts to determine if you’ve hired someone whose values don’t quite line up with yours. We will always respect your decision. Our nanny recruitment services include a satisfaction period; we’re determined to get that perfect match. 

The information you need to tell your nanny recruiters:

• When and how many hours will you be requiring nanny services? 
• What area will you be required a nanny in and what are their expected duties? 
• Will the nanny need a driver’s license and their own vehicle? 
• How many children and what ages? 
• Do your children have special medical requirements, allergies, dietary restrictions that your nanny needs to know about? 
• Do you have household pets?
• What is a day in the life like with your family? 
• Do you require your nannies to have special skills or additional qualifications? Ie. Tutor, child care development courses, speak additional languages, etc.. 

What you need to inform your nanny:

• Be clear on your expectations and scope of work
• Does your child have any health issues, allergies, or dietary requirements? 
• Give your nanny a tour of your home and where they can find medicine, first-aid kit, and important contacts
•  Write down all the children’s habits from everything they like to eat, temperaments, and daily schedule

 Try to keep an open mind. Everyone has something unique to offer to the role. We are Brisbane’s favourite boutique nanny agency and finding the right solution to your childcare needs is our specialty. Your nanny is a decision we ultimately want to make sure you feel good about. To ensure the most streamlined process, try to keep these tips in mind when embarking on your nanny search. 
 

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Catching up with Jeremy and Tim from City-Cave

Michelle and I caught up with James Street business locals, Tim and Jeremy, owners of floatation therapy centre City-Cave. If you've already had the experience of visiting City-Cave for float therapy and yoga, you're in for a treat at their newest studio in the works in Rosalie. There will be room for more float rooms, a yoga area, cooking space, an outdoor lounge, and on-site health and wellness experts for your guidance opening later this month!

Big and exciting things are happening for City-Cave and Mini Nanny agency is excited to announce new collaborations between our two businesses is in the works. With their bigger studio space in Rosalie, Tim and Jeremy are hoping to get more involved in the community especially with the Rosalie local school just across the street. Introducing kids to holistic approaches to health and wellness is one of many new branches that City-Cave is eager to explore with their new location.

How did you two get into floatation therapy and where was your starting point for City-Cave? 

J- We started out in the business of retail. It was a very stressful, cut-throat industry. You don't make many friends in it. 

T- I could see myself at 50-years-old now being on death's door because of the stress we were dealing with in our lives from our last business. It was highly stressful and we weren't living. We were living to work, so we sold the business. Everything happens for a reason and we came to the decision to sell our company to take some time off, and really decide on what we want to do. 

J- I've dealt with anxiety my whole life and there was no healthy outlet for me leave it behind. We caught wind of float therapy through by brother. We first tried it in the centre of CBD. Everything is a business to us and it all started from there. 

What were your initial goals with opening up City-Cave on James Street? 

T- In the early stages, we spent a lot of our resources educating people. Few people have experienced floatation therapy, but almost everybody has heard about, or know of someone who has floated before. Research and development were huge for us. We did a lot of our research in the States. It always takes a bit of time for Australia to catch on to new trends from America, and we want to be right up there as innovators in Australia. 

J- Our initial goals, and even now expanding into Rosalie, has always been building a brand and culture around wellness. Health should be an ongoing practice, not something people only think of when they need to see a doctor. We're certainly not the first people to think like this, but we just want to be one of the first to implement this and create spaces where people want to be comfortable to hang out and feel and excited about their physical and mental well-being. 

What is the most challenging aspect of starting a company?

T- You have to have thick skin and the right mindset.  I rung my mum and told her what I was putting my capital into and she cried because she had no idea what float therapy was because it's so new. But over the last 6 months, I've been getting text messages from her like "ooh, I just saw something on TV. You might be on to something!" I think especially for something new like this, it's just educating people and eventually, it catches wind. 

What are some of the benefits of floatation therapy? 

T- There are so many. Magnesium intake is a huge benefit. Australia is known to be being really low in magnesium. Floating weekly,  I've found a change in my energy levels, my sleeping was 10x better, and if you're going to the gym a lot, you'll find overall improvement in joint and muscle pain. Magnesium is a natural muscle rexalin found in the Epsom salt. It's antibacterial, and great for your skin. That's all the physical stuff. The mental stuff is also another large element. 

J- It's a forced meditation. Steph Curry uses float therapy for his mental game. It helps you cope with external pressure, visualisation, and finding that flow state. For high-stress jobs, it helps you step away from stress and regathers thoughts, prioritise, stimulate creativity, and become more efficient. 

T -  Floating makes me mentally bullet-proof. Brings inner peace. We're not hippies, this is just speaking as two regular guys.You have to learn how to do it, but there's no such thing as a bad float and it get's better the more you practice. It's hard because we juggle a lot of different personalities that walk through the door. It takes time, like anything. You need to learn and give it a change. 

Do you recommend kids to try floating and would you recommend it to someone with ADHD?

J- Absolutely. Floating is a great tool for managing your thoughts. I would love to get more kids and especially teens through those doors and open up a world of ways to approach health. It doesn't need to be a sterile doctor's room experience. 

T- Having a psych on board, nutritionists and other experts will really be an added benefit to anyone. Psychs are there help prepare the mind for your float and help you understand your thoughts. I think learning interpersonal skills, switching off, and understanding your thoughts are great tools for anyone especially if you learn them at a younger age. 

Do you have a recommended age for kids to float?

T- It's not so much about age, but more maturity. The teenage years are very important developmentally and something like this can really help them cope with gaining more responsibility and managing their emotions.

You mentioned wanting to get involved in the communities more especially with children's sports and health. What do you think that that looks like for you guys? 

J- There's so much potential to be had with this space (in Rosalie) and the school across the street. We just really want to get involved in the community at no cost to introduce kids to a holistic approach to health. We have a nutritionist who will be doing cooking demonstrations, kids' yoga, and we'd love to help out on their sports days!

What are some personal markers for success in your lives?

J- A smile. When it comes to success, it's a personal thing--knowing what your success is, know what you want, and achieving it.

T- I don't want to come up to the end of my life and say "cool I have a house a car, and all this money but I spent all my life working in negativity." It's not a nice way to make money. If I can sit back and enjoy the process and enjoy the company of people who have found something valuable in what we do, then I'm happy. 

T - We had a lady come out of a session with tears rolling down her face. She was on chemo for months and was experiencing chronic pain. She was so relieved coming out of her float and thanked us. She said it was the most amazing rest she had experienced in quite some time and she was able to feel relief from her pain. She came back every week. I get fuzzy over it. 
 

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New Study Shows Children Inherit Their Intelligence From Their Mothers

Genetics have never been so fascinating than when you are measuring who your child takes after the most. Sometimes they can look like your identical minis, and other times their unique features surprise you. New studies strongly suggest that your smarty-pants child might have their beautiful mums to thank for their intelligence! 

It's all in the genes

When the sperm meets the egg, the perfect amount of DNA comes together to create a human. This package of DNA molecules, the chromosomes, are the recipe cards for living things and up until recently, it was believed that intelligence was factored in from both mom and dad. Clinical psychologist, Dr. Robert Lehrke states that most of a child's intelligence does, in fact, have a hereditary component, and it comes from chromosome X. Studies suggest it is far more likely that kids inherit their intelligence from their mothers because women have two X chromosomes. 

A 1984 University of Cambridge study was one of the first conducted in uncovering where children inherit intelligence by analysing the co-evolution of the brain and the conditioning of the human genome. This lead to the conclusion that maternal genes contribute to most of the development centers in the brain, most notably the hippocampus. 

Your child's brain

The hippocampus plays a pivotal role in the limbic system. It's responsible for long-term memory, regulation of emotions, and spatial navigation. Another contributing theory to why children inherit intelligence from their mothers comes from the evidence that the mitochondria are almost exclusively inherited from moms. 

The mitochondrial genes are not the genes directly researched for increased intelligence, but it does have an important role in brain function. The mitochondria serve as the cell's powerhouse and your child's brains are high consumers of metabolic energy supplied by the mitochondria. It is suggested that this may translate into enhanced cognitive function.

I got it from my momma

A study conducted by the Medical Research Council in Glasglow, Scotland interviewed 12,686 people between the ages of 14-22 every year since 1994. The results demonstrated that the best predictor of these young people's intelligence was their mother's IQ. They stated that their interviewee's IQs varied only an average of 15 points from that of their mothers. 

While your genetic blueprints have a lot of responsibility, it's not the only factor for intelligence. It is estimated that between 40-60% of intelligence is hereditary. Meaning the remaining factors vary depending on the child's environment, stimulation, and personality. 

External factors

Intelligence is defined as one's ability to solve problems. Our brains work as a whole, meaning, even though our hippocampus is hard at work organising our rational thinking functions, our intelligence is strongly influenced by intuition and emotions. This is where the child's parental relationships, environment, and personality come into play. 

Emotional support in early childhood is a significant factor for healthy hippocampus and limbic system. Studies of Romanian orphans in institutional care have shown that enhanced early caregiving through placement in therapeutic foster care has a strong positive impact on the child's cognitive, social, and emotional outcome. These studies reveal, that besides genetics, healthy intellectual development in children is formed through physical and emotional contact. Some studies even suggest that a child's secure bond to their mother is intimately linked to intelligence, suggesting that a nurturing caregiver in the early stages of life has proved to be an essential prerequisite for healthy brain development. 

American novelist, Anthony Doerr wrote:

"We all come into existence as a single cell, smaller than a speck of dust. Much smaller. Divide. Multiply. Add and subtract. Matter changes hands, atoms flow in and out, molecules pivot, proteins stitch together, mitochondria send out their oxidative dictates; we begin as a microscopic electrical swarm. The lungs, the brain, the heart. Forty weeks later, six trillion cells get crushed in the vise of our mother’s birth canal and we howl. Then the world starts in on us."

While genetic expression has a lot to account for in children's intelligence. It is with proper nurturing, support, and stimulation that children reach their best potential. So Dads, teachers, and nannies give yourself a pat on the back too! Raising the next generation of care-givers, and thought-leaders is the most rewarding job. 

Sources:

Luby, J. L. et. Al. (2012) Maternal support in early childhood predicts larger hippocampal volumes at school age. Journal of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; 109(8): 2854–2859.

Zechner, U. et. Al. (2001) A high density of X-linked genes for general cognitive ability: a run-away process shaping human evolution? Trends Genet; 17(12): 697-701.

Keverne, E. B.; Surani, M. A. et. Al. (1996) Genomic imprinting and the differential roles of parental genomes in brain development. Brain Res Dev Brain Res; 92(1): 91-100.

Gécz, J. & Mulley, J. (2000) Genes for Cognitive Function: Developments on the X. Genome Res; 10: 157-163.

A Note to the Hardworking Nannies Out There

Dear nannies, 

What makes a great nanny is not something you find on a CV, but is found in the nanny's story, personality, and values. Many nannies we recruit have post-secondary education in childcare, a long history of experience in professional nannying and are parents themselves, but it's truly your patience, compassion, and ability to anticipate the family's needs that make a great nanny. Every person has a unique set of skills, experience, and outlook they can bring to a family and the great thing about nannying as a career is freedom to let your personality and nannying style shine through. 

Childcare workers are one of the most undervalued career options; It's no doubt a problem in our society. Let's all work together to debunk this conception with a positivity and being informative. Nannying can be an under-appreciated job, and it's probably because most people's general conception of nannying is a glorified babysitter, paid to hang out with kids all day, or thought of as house-cleaners. We know, of course, these people could not be more wrong (have they ever cared for a child all day long?-- it's full on work, physically and mentally draining!) 

Never underestimate the significance of your role. As a nanny, you wear many hats in the household. Your role is to shape the next generation through patient guidance and role modelling in your everyday actions. Nannies are the cultivators of our future, chefs for some of the pickiest eaters, the chauffeurs for the kids' busy schedules, the nurses, the story-tellers, the teachers, the counsellors, the mediators, and the cheerleaders. 

When mom and dad are out of commission, it's your job to be the best version of their parents you can be. It's very rare that you're sitting around on the job because there is always something to do around the house to help the family's schedule run more smoothly. Mom and dad have entrusted you with the most important role, and that is being one of the pillars of support in their children's' lives. 

Caring for children is one of the most rewarding careers. Children look up to you as their hero, their confidant, and run to you in need of comfort. Nannies become honourary family members. The intimacy of caring for children in the family's home is a huge privilege, and families will never forget your commitment and love for their children. 

Thank you to the brilliant, big-hearted, hard-working nannies that make mini Nanny Agency one of the best nanny recruitment agencies in Brisbane. The most rewarding aspect of a recruiter's day at team mini is receiving that phone call from a happy family letting us know that we've found their perfect nanny. 

We have some interviews of some of the mini's best nannies on our blog so have a read! Each nanny has their own unique journey to tell and it's been such a privilege to share these stories and have them represent Mini Nanny Agency to such lovely families. 

Cheers to you nannies! 

xx
Mini Nanny Agency
 

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Why your older children shouldn't be nannies for your younger children

It's great to have your older kids and teenagers help you around the house to teach them responsibility. But there is a difference between having your 12-year-old keep an eye on the toddler while you are busy cooking, and another to have them care for toddlers for hours in the day unattended. 

Age and maturity matters when it comes to proper childcare. In Queensland, there are legal minimum age requirements for leaving your children unattended in the home. If you leave a child under the age of 12 for an "unreasonable time" you will have committed a misdemeanour Regardless of this, the level of maturity of the child left unattended is another story.

Does your teenager understand the responsibility of caring for children? Are they mature enough to take control of a situation should an accident occur while they are babysitting?

Teaching your children responsibility is one thing, but giving your children too much responsibility can lead to a whole other problem. Solely relying on your teen to nanny your younger children might be putting too much pressure on them, let kids be kids while they can.

It's not the obligation of your older children to take care of their younger siblings at every beckon call. Having your children look after their younger siblings should be an act of love. You don't want to breed resentment in your children for forcing them to take on more responsibility. 

Teenagers should be compensated for their time and not pressured into babysitting their younger siblings. Teens have school work, extra-curricular engagements, social lives and sometimes part-time work on their plate. 

Finding a qualified and reliable nanny in Brisbane through reliable nanny recruitment agencies like Mini is the best childcare option. Nannies are professionals. You can rest assured that your children are in capable hands and will be receiving the quality one-on-one attention that is simply not available in crowded day-homes or with busy teens. 

There are many benefits of hiring a nanny service for your family. Having a professional, qualified nanny will give you that peace of mind and relief some pressure off of you and your older children. 

Your nanny will really get to know your family routines, understand your children's developmental needs, and will be the extra hands you need around the house when you're not there. 

Nannies have more flexibility than hiring your teenager to babysit. With a nanny, you make the schedule and benefit from their flexibility. If one of your little one is not feeling well, you can call your nanny to help you keep a watchful eye on them in the comfort of your home while you work. 

Traveling for work? Find a Brisbane nanny now to help you fill in the child-caring gaps with household management, school pick-ups, and drop-offs, and meal prep and know that your kids are in great care with consistent communication.

Mini Nanny Agency will recruit the perfect Nanny for your household with skills teens don't have. Nannies make a career out of caring for children.  Plenty of nannies have degrees and experience in children's' education who are happy to help tutor in various subjects. You'll find nannies are willing to undergo further certifications and courses to keep up with children's development and special needs care.

Each nanny candidate brings in a wealth of knowledge and experience to your household from working with other families that your teenager won't have, and it's our pleasure to help you find the perfect nanny for your family. 

Do you have questions on where and how to search for hiring a nanny service? Read up on some our helpful tips on recruiting a nanny or call the Mini Nanny Agency today to recruit your family a casual, contract, part-time, and full-time nanny and house manager role. 

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Mini's Guide to Brisbane-Local Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's day is only less than a week away. If you don't already know, Mini Nanny Agency has teamed up with the groovers and shakers from Boppin Babies to put together a Mother's Day Competition with over $400 worth of prizes both mums and bubs can enjoy. 

We shouldn't need a dedicated day to show our appreciation to the beautiful, hardworking super-mums in our lives because we should be showing it often! If you're stuck on a thoughtful Mother's Day gift that will make the wonderful mums in your life feel pampered and spoiled, this Brisbane nanny agency is all over it with our list of unique and local Mother's Day gift ideas. 

Spoil her with luxury chocolates

Is there a sweeter way to say 'I love you' than with chocolates? One of Mini Nanny Agency's favourite super-mums, My Nguyen is the creative genius behind Indooroopilly's luxury chocolate shop, My Chocolate Boutique. 

Spoil mum with the gorgeous Gold Leaf chocolates, hand-made in Brisbane decorated with edible 24-k gold leaf--because our mums deserve the very best! 

My Chocolate Boutique is full of eye-candy! You can custom make your mum a box full of her favourite chocolates, do a one-stop shop with a beautifully packaged gift-bag, or pick up one of the well-curated collaborations with The Lip Lab Brisbane or Julisa Nail Polish.

A post shared by My Chocolate Boutique (MCB) (@mychocolateboutique) on May 4, 2017 at 8:16pm PDT

Custom Makeup

The Lip Lab Brisbane is sure to be the perfect treat for the make-up addicts. Book mum an appointment at the Adelaide Street studio so she can get creative and custom design and name her perfect lipgloss, lipstick, foundation, and concealer with the incredibly knowledgeable Lip Lab team. 

It's a mesmerising process watching the different pigments mix into each other to create the desired shade. If you do get mum an appointment here, the Lip Lab team recommends you bring some photos of the lip colour you have in mind for inspiration. 

A post shared by The Lip Lab Brisbane (@theliplabbrisbane) on May 6, 2017 at 8:04pm PDT

Float Therapy

Treat your mum with some relaxation time with a float at City Cave. They have a beautiful float studio off of James Street-- perfect for busy city-living to tune out and connect to a deep level of relaxation. Float therapy involves spending an hour or more in a complete darkness in a warm bath of Epsom salt.

This therapy is known to reduce stress levels all throughout your body, easy muscle tension, and soreness, decrease anxiety, and depression, and aid in weight loss by helping the mind get into an optimistic mindset. 

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A post shared by City Cave (@city.cave) on May 5, 2017 at 8:55pm PDT

Yoga Passes

Last week, we interviewed another super-mum, Lexi Crouch who owns Ashtanga Yoga Brisbane on James Street and is a mum and bubs yoga instructor at Yoga Everyday in Stafford. The mum and bubs yoga workshops run fortnightly. The class is a gentle yoga flow and post-natal routine for new mums. It's a great opportunity to meet other new mums and join a supportive community. 

A post shared by Lexi Crouch (@lexi.crouch) on Apr 13, 2017 at 3:38pm PDT

Yoga passes are an excellent gift for anyone. They usually don't expire and gives them an opportunity to try something new if they haven't already committed to an exercise routine or yoga studio.

Mini Nanny Agency Gift Voucher!

Oh, the versatility of this gift! If you need a nanny in Brisbane, Goldcoast, or Byron Bay give the team at Mini a ring. Gifting a family a nanny agency voucher allows for the possibilities of a date night, girls night out for mum, or even an overnight stay at the coast kid-free. 

Our nannies are certified, creative, and all around super-nannies and the kids will be happy to be entertained by them while mum enjoys all the pampering she deserves!
 

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mini Nanny Agency Meets Ashtanga Yoga Mama, Lexi Crouch!

Lexi Crouch is a yoga teacher, studio owner, Eating Disorder and Exercise Addiction therapist, lifestyle blogger, Bachelor of Health Sciences student, and on top of all of that is a supermum!

The mini Nanny Agency team came across the gorgeous Lexi from her Instagram, @lexi.crouch where she posts her yoga journey with her 10-month-old mini, Mabel. We were more than thrilled to finally meet with this busy Brisbane mum who has just opened a yoga studio together with her dedicated yoga instructor husband, Aaron, called Brisbane Ashtanga Yoga right here in mini Nanny Agency’s home neighbourhood on James Street! 

how amazing this this yogi mum!?

Backbending - because mundane living would be much more scary 💁🏼 Studio: @brisbane_ashtanga_yoga . . #backbending #ashtanga #ashtangayoga #yoga #yogaeverydamnday #yogapose #instayoga #mysore #health #healthyliving #wellness #inspiration #motivation #postpartum #mumlife #fitness #strong #yogavideo #brisbane #brisbaneblogger #meditation #recovery #newfarm #zen #nature #fitmom #kpjayi

A post shared by Lexi Crouch (@lexi.crouch) on Apr 17, 2017 at 6:33pm PDT

How did you get into yoga? 

I was suffering from an eating disorder and exercise addiction and conventional medicine had never worked for me. I first thought that yoga would not be enough of a workout for me to keep fit so I had overlooked it, but I found so much more than an exercise in yoga practice. It allowed me to find a balanced lifestyle and has been a tremendous part of my healing journey.

I had met my husband through yoga and completed my yoga teacher training program in Perth. We would visit Mysore, India every year to refresh our mindset and meet with the creator of Ashtanga Yoga, Sharath Jois. We always look forward to our Mysore trip because we get to meet with different instructors from all over the world and talk about what they’re doing with yoga. 

We opened up Ashtanga Yoga Brisbane about a month ago and we’ve been really fortunate to have so much support in the community. This is an exciting new chapter in our lives and I love being able to share a practice that has helped me in so many ways.

Owning a studio is my husband, Aaron’s dream come to life. So we’ve been really grateful that we’ve been able to open up Ashtanga Yoga Brisbane in New Farm. The biggest priority for us at the moment is just creating a community at the studio for people to practice yoga without judgment and meet like-minded people. 

Can you tell us a bit about your mum and bubs yoga classes?

Starting next week, I’ll be teaching mum and bubs yoga at the Yoga Everyday studio in Stafford. I think it all ties into the importance of community again because when you become a mum, your whole life begins to revolve around this tiny human’s needs and you can become isolated. Mum and bubs yoga is a great space for new mums to come together to talk about anything really, and know that we’re all in it together. 

I’m hoping to get into teaching more mum and toddler classes soon. To teach little ones and parents to slow down and really listen to their bodies. These classes will help get mums some exercise and to network with other mums. 

What do you find most rewarding about being a mum?

I thought I didn’t want kids at one point in my life, but now I can’t imagine myself without Mabel. Motherhood is everything! I’ve found a lot of growth through motherhood and raising Mabel with Aaron. It’s rewarding growing together and learning how to slow down and appreciate the little things as a family. 

Favourite mum and Mabel activities? 

Mabel is a really active girl. I think she gets that crazy energy from my husband! We’re outdoors a lot so she can burn off that energy. We love going for walks at New Farm park and having picnics. Days at the beach as a family is her favourite too. 

What do you think is essential in maintaining a healthy work-life relationship?

Up until 6 months old, Mabel has been such a calm baby. Now she’s kind of woken up and has such high energy and is a lot more demanding. It can be a strain on my relationship with my husband because at the end of the busy work day, we’ll both be exhausted and our work schedules don't always align. 

I think the key to work-life balance is to make quality time for each other. We enjoy family breakfasts or walks through New Farm park. It's nice to get a babysitter once in awhile and be a couple again! 

And don’t forget to do something that makes you happy for yourself. 

Can you tell me a bit of your nanny story? 

I nannied when I was 18 for a family of an ex-Olympic Australian swimmer for about 3 years. I didn’t know what I wanted to do yet coming straight out of high-school, but I knew I didn’t want an office job so I took on nannying. I’ve always liked kids, and I love to keep active, nannying didn't feel like work. 

It’s great building that trust with families and having them welcome you in like a family member. I was never asked to do household chores, but I did anyways to go above and beyond for the family who really treated me as a member too. 

Do you have any advice for new business owners? 

Owning a yoga studio felt like a pipe dream for a long time, but owning your business is achievable. If you spend one day working on one small thing, it will eventually come together for you. 

To connect with Lexi and find more information on the many hats she wears, check out her website lexicrouch.com and follow her inspiring Instagram @lexi.crouch !

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mini's guide to creating your professional nanny portfolio

Creating a nanny portfolio is one of the best ways to make sure you stand out from amongst other nanny candidates- it adds personalisation and a professional touch to your application. All you'll need is a binder for your portfolio, paper protectors to hold copies of your resumes and references that you can leave with either the nanny recruiter or the family. The best part about it is that it's so simple to do and only takes a bit of time, creativity, and organisation- and as a nanny, I'm sure these are your areas of expertise! 

What goes into your nanny portfolio? 

Letter of introduction

For any position you apply for, you should always create a cover letter which is written for that specific role and why you would be the perfect match. This letter of introduction will be slightly different to your cover letter. Your portfolio letter of introduction is a small bio of yourself as a nanny. Really sell yourself here and let your gorgeous personality come through. The mini Nanny Agency team loves a good story so make yours stand out! 

•Why are you a nanny?
•What is your nanny experience (newborn care, multiple children, years of experience etc...) 
•What are some of the activities that you enjoy doing with children? 
•What are your interests and skills that you can bring into the household?

Resume

You should definitely include your resume in your nanny portfolio and make extra copies should the nanny recruiter or nanny request one. Your professional resume should include your contact information, in depth job descriptions, timelines, relevant skills, education, certifications, and other relevant qualifications. 

Security Documents

Prove your qualifications! Save the nanny recruiters and families time and hassle by showing them right off the bat, that you are a qualified nanny instead of having them chase you down for documents. Include photocopies of your Blue Card, Driver's License, First Aid & CPR certificate, Life Guarding, Nanny and Car Insurance, ABN, diplomas, degrees, certificates and any other relevant documents you might have. 

Just make sure that these documents are relevant and presented in a logical manner. For example, you don't need to include all of your expired First Aid and Blue Card documents and you might choose to have them filled in your portfolio in chronological order. 

References

It's a nice touch to include reference letters in your nanny portfolio to vouch for your personality, character, and work ethic. Get in touch with your references before hand to get some reference letters printed. 

Be sure to also include contact information for your references should the nanny recruiter or family wish to speak with them. 

Nanny Log Samples

Nanny journals gives the family great insight on how you keep a schedule, communicate, stay organised, and demonstrates your attention to detail. 

These logs can be your daily schedules,  cleaning routines, notes, kids' progress and learning reports, sample menus for meal prep, grocery lists, and play time crafts. 

mini Nanny Agency has you covered with FREE nanny log book and meal prep printable worksheets. Enjoy!

Activities

Do a bit of research and put together a list of activities and ways to entertain the children around the family's local area. It's a wonderful addition to your professional nanny portfolio that will be sure to make your stand out. 

You can even check out mini's affiliate page for some ideas.  Make your list of activities age appropriate. This is as simple as organising the activities according to the age group. Be aware that different ages and stages of child development requires different types of activities. 

mini Nanny Agency has partnered up with amazing organisations such as Ginger Sports and Chess Mates! Get to know local kid friendly communities for the family to keep yourself and the kids engaged and entertained. 

Photos

Bring your experiences to life! Photos oftentimes have more to say than words so including photos will personalise and make your portfolio stand out from amongst the other nanny candidates.

Always get permission from the families first before including them in your professional nanny portfolio. 

Once you have all the juicy pieces to put together in your portfolio, it's just a matter of displaying the information in a neat and organised manner. Having a messy portfolio will do you no favours! 

Remember to create copies of documents that families and nanny recruiters might want to keep for their references as well as your contact information.

Be sure to read up on our article "How To Nail A Nanny Interview" here before going in to meet with the family and recruiter. The mini team wishes you all the best, and don't hesitate to contact us for any questions. 

mini's Hot Tips to Finding Your Perfect Nanny Match

If the thought of leaving your young children at home to return to the work routine has you feeling anxious, it's worth while looking into hiring an extra set of hands to help you care for your children! 

Don't fret--the girls at mini have you covered! We understand how nerve-racking it can be to trust a complete stranger you've met off of the internet with your treasures whilst you're at work for most of the day. mini Nanny Agency's mission is to offer you the best childcare solution for your family and give you that peace of mind.

We provide invaluable advice from over 10 years of recruitment and HR experience, ongoing support for your nanny concerns, and can proudly say we have the largest database and reach of talented nannies Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Byron Bay have to offer. 

If you're thinking about embarking on the nanny hiring process, we can't be more excited for you and your family! Nannies offer your children stability as a form of childcare because your nannies will work out of the comfort of your household. Most nannies are willing to help with light household chores, run errands, do the before and after-school drop-offs, pick-ups, and meal prep adding extra hours to your day. 

With a nanny, your children will receive more attention and have activities catered to their interests and skill levels. Most importantly, your family will have a pillar of support and hopefully gain a life-long friend. Invest in these tips if you're thinking about hiring a nanny on your own and don't hesitate to contact the mini team for any questions. 

Do your research

If you're going to advertise yourself, it's imperative that you do your research! Only post on trusted websites; ensuring that you are targeting nanny candidates who are in your ideal audience and demographic. Yes, it can be a time consuming and costly exercise, but take the time to read company testimonials and ask around on web forums to see if the website is right for you. 

When you hire a nanny, you take on the responsibility of an employer. It might be helpful to look into your tax responsibilities, average salaries, insurances, and other obligations. We have just the article for your to get you started! 

Read our employment agreement guide for a nanny employer  here

Be prepared and ask screening questions before you invite nannies for an interview.

It's exciting when you have responses to your ads and begin to contact your nanny applicants. Have a template in place with screening questions ready for your call. Here's some helpful questions to ask your nannies. 

On the first contact, briefly, discuss the nanny's motivations and work experience before inviting them into your home. If you felt that the conversation was flowing and you liked their answers, what are you waiting for? Invite that nanny for an interview!

The interview plays an instrumental part of the nanny hiring process. You want to make sure you and your nanny begin your relationship with clear, professional communication. Outline your expectations, any concerns, and determine what your values and interests are. These will be the foundations for finding your perfect nanny. 

Make the nanny interview a family decision

We advise your spend a minimum of 45 minutes at an interview with your nanny candidates. This is a lengthy process, but it's an important one. Have a notebook and jot down 5 questions highlighting your values and concerns for the role. 

Most nannies are typically available to meet in the evenings or weekends which might be an ideal time for your family to meet your nanny. Always make the nanny candidates feel safe and comfortable in your home and invite your children to observe the interview. 

The interview will be a clear indicator of whether the nanny match will work or not with your family. If you feel very positive throughout the interview, you can provide the nanny with important contact numbers and describe the "day in the life" in the household with a tour. 

Always follow through with reference checks

Trust your gut. Anyone can forge written reference checks. Don't be afraid to look into the person you are trusting to look after your children. Ask for contact numbers or email address of your nanny candidates' references. If they can't get in contact with their references, suggest for your candidates to reach out to them on social media-- the beauty of technology makes it easier to reconnect with people, so there should rarely be an issue in providing references from previous employers due to lost contact. 

Breathe and smile! When you've found yourself a gorgeous gem who meets your criteria and you have verified all the qualifications to care for your little treasures, you'll feel a large weight lifted off your shoulders. Adding a nanny to your household will be one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Your nanny will be your children's extra cheerleaders and support systems. 

You can always rely on mini for any questions, concerns, or guidance for nanny recruitment. If you need a professional to recruit your nanny, look no further! Our passion is to find families their perfect nanny match. We have a streamlined process to ensure we save you the most time with honest and genuine service. 

mini's Sweet Interview with My Chocolate Boutique

My Chocolate Boutique is Brisbane’s own luxury chocolate shop home of the Gold Leaf artisan chocolate decorated with 24-k gold leaf and handcrafted in Brisbane. My Chocolate Boutique is located at the Indooroopilly shopping centre and stocks only the finest chocolate brands from around the world that ethically source their cocoa. 

Find these sweet treats at the Indooroopilly shopping centre

With mother’s day just around the corner, the boutique has been busy prepping beautiful treasures to box up for the well-deserved mums. Is there a sweeter way to say I love you than with chocolates? 

The mastermind behind My Chocolate Boutique is a supermum herself! My Nguyen is a university tutor, research technician, Ph.D candidate, and mother of 2 beautiful children, all on top of running her own business.  

How did My Chocolate Boutique come to life? 

Everything I do would not be possible without my supportive husband. My chocolate making started as a passion project. I made chocolate dinosaurs for my son’s birthday party and they were a hit with the kids as much as they were with the parents! I had orders lined up for parties before I knew it and called my company My Sweet Treats.

It all started with these chocolate critters! 

I met C, my boutique’s store manager, last year in July at a market. She imports coffee beans and also has a love of making chocolate treats. We connected right off the bat and I knew I wanted to work with her. We also have three young team members who work on a casual basis. – Katie, Mondi, and Toan.

We were lucky enough to move into the spot we’re in now at the Indooroopilly shopping centre last October and originally, we thought we would only be in that spot for Christmas gifting season, but everything sort of fell into place for us and we hope to expand in new locations and perhaps add a cafe to our current location.  

What is the day in the life of My Nguyen?

Every day is different and my weekends are dedicated to my kids. Weekdays start with family breakfast, drop off at daycare, followed by classes which will include tutorials, research meetings for schools of medicine, nursing, or psychology. My Ph.D. work involves papers and independent research. 

For my business days, I meet with lots of people all day from customers to suppliers. I do the product ordering and bookkeeping as well as overall store management. When the work or school day is over, I pick up the kids and we have dinner together. 

What has been your favourite moment as a mum? 

Watching my kids grow up, learn, and develop. I'm always proud of them. Their laughter is like music to my soul. 

Do you have any advice for new business owners? 

The first year is always the hardest. Hang in there and keep believing in your business. Be good to your people/employees because they are the real faces of and for your business. Communication is also key. 

For those who want to start a business and too afraid- Just do it! Follow your dreams. That's what I did. I'm a doer and so everything I say or think I just do. If you think too much, it's never going to happen (this is for everything with life).

How do you maintain a work-school-life balance?

I stay well organised, I set plans and priorities and I stick to them. It makes me very efficient. I just don't waste time. (Even my social days are planned where I catch up with friends one after another for the whole day-- Uni friends, that is).

What are your favourite activities to do with the kids?

Singing and dancing them. They are just so full of life!

Any recommendations for mother’s day gift from the Boutique?

We have fine chocolates that are made locally and international. You find only the best quality chocolate at our store. Gold leaf is especially recommended- ladies just adore our luxury Gold Leaf range, rose and pistachio chocolate pyramids garnished with 24k is the most popular. Our collaborations with The Lip-Lab, Julisa, and Bohemia Crystal have also been a hit! 

Follow @mychocolateboutique on Instagram

Get your unique chocolate gifts from 'My Sweet Treats' at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre (Level 2, Shop 2132: The Choc Gift Shop, opposite Swarovski). Picture includes: cookies&scream, rose&pistachio, rocky road, and 63% dark chocolate.

A post shared by My Chocolate Boutique (MCB) (@mychocolateboutique) on Dec 5, 2016 at 4:38pm PST

5 Children's Activities To Check Out This Easter Break

Brisbane never runs short of family friendly activities all year round to keep you and your kids entertained. If you’re looking for some ideas to get your kids out of the house now that you’ll be spending more time together during Easter break look no further. mini Nanny Agency has you covered with this list to keep your kids entertained this holiday.

Meet the Easter Bunny

Everyone knows that the Easter Bunny lays chocolate eggs! 

Take your little ones out to meet the Easter Bunny and partake in an egg hunt, face-painting, colouring competitions, live entertainment, and plenty more this school holiday. Lucky for us, Brisbane Kids have put together list of all the Easter festivals and activities around the city the whole family can enjoy.

Witch and Wizard Workshop at The Gap State School

Do you have a Harry Potter fan in your household who has always dreamed of going to Hogwarts? On April 7 and 8 The Gap State School is hosting the Luminarium Festival infusing STEM subjects with creativity and special interests to promote a love for lifetime learning. Kids ages 5-15 can experience captivating Hogwarts classes such as Defence Against the Dark Arts, Care of Magical Creatures, and Potions for a truly magical learning experience!

Visit A Galaxy Far Far Away

Get your kids engaged and entertained with the Capabala Shopping Centre's Star Wars inspired immersive zone, and get some shopping done for yourself while you're there! 

The Capabala Shopping centre is setting up a free Star Wars inspired immersive zone allowing your little ones to get a glimpse of Jedi Training as a young Padawan, navigate their way through asteroid fields and visit the space hub. They’re also hosting a competition for $100 shopping centre gift card for those who snap a photo of the immersive zone and use the hashtag #CapabalaStarWars.

Have an Easter Sunday Picnic at the Brisbane Powerhouse

Pack your picnic blanket and some snacks this Easter Sunday for free live entertainment at The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm Park. New Farm Park has plenty of green-space, a playground, electric barbecue station right along the banks of the Brisbane river. The talented Francesca de Valence and The Double Happiness will be performing for the family friendly, all-ages festival on Easter Sunday. 

April is a month full of Sunday afternoon live music entertainment at the Brisbane Powerhouse, so be sure to check out The Brisbane Powerhouse's website for the month's line up of entertainers. 

Make a Splash at Waterworld Central

Waterworld Central is Australia’s first mobile water park and they’re visiting Brisbane from April 1st to the 9th at Sandstone Point Hotel. What exactly does a portable theme park entail? Inflatable pools, slides, and water zorb balls!

Catching up with Flying Sprout: Educational Activities for Kids on the Move

mini Majer has always been an advocate for local Brisbane businesses and we were beyond excited to get the chance to catch up with Brisbane-born business, Flying Sprout. 

Bianca Chopra is a teacher by trade, a busy Brisbane mum of 3-year-old, Jai and the creative mind behind Flying Sprout-- travel-friendly educational kits for kids on the move! 

Flying Sprout was inspired by a Chopra family trip to Europe when Jai was 18 months old. Bianca wanted educational screen-free entertainment for the 20-hour flight. Today, her products have been gaining international exposure with shipments to Singapore, Spain, the US, and Indonesia!

What is the day in the life of Bianca like lately? 

It’s always different, but Jai and I always start the day with some exercise. We go for a walk every morning. He’ll play with his lego and we’ll do different activities like music lessons or go to a playgroup to make new friends for the both of us. Everywhere we go together, we both enjoy so that makes the day fun for us. 

If I’m lucky, Jai will nap in the afternoon and I can work on Flying Sprout or tutor.

What do you find most rewarding in running your own business from home? 

Being a part of Jai’s life and getting in the best quality time. I get to watch him explore and learn something new every day, and of course, the cuddles! 

I’ve always wanted to be a mum and it’s awesome! 

What are your and Jai’s favourite activities? 

Jungle walks. We started going to the hills and the rain forests around Mount Tamborine. It’s great exercise and Jai will walk 2 and a half km. We love it and it really engages him. 

We’re also so lucky to live right next to the theme parks around Brisbane. We have annual passes and they’re great value and a good reward for Jai.

Do you have a favourite teaching moment?

I just love seeing the capabilities of children. If you give them the chance and the right support, they can do almost anything. I think we assume that children can’t do something because it might be too difficult so we don’t give them the opportunity to try. 

I used to teach grade 5 and 6 and we do this assignment where the kids would design their own breakfast cereals and do the marketing for it themselves. I did this same activity with primary students and I was so inspired by how well they did with it! It’s moments like those that make me love what I do. 

What do you think is essential in maintaining a balanced work-life relationship?

I’m really lucky because I get to work around my schedule with Jai. I do what I have time for and have learned a lot about running a business. I do everything myself from building and maintaining the website, the social media, and creating new on-the-go activities. I still have lots to learn but it’s very exciting. 

Do you have a soundtrack to your life at the moment?

I like having music on around the house, and I should really do it more often. It changes the atmosphere of anything you’re doing. Jai and I lately have been listening to the soundtrack of Dirty Dancing and we both have a dance. 

Where would you like to see Flying Sprout in the next couple years?

I would like to have regular orders and have people love it. I would love to go to a cafe and see someone whip it out of their Flying Sprout kit for their little one. The community around Flying Sprout has been great and very supportive. 

 

 

Do you have any advice for new business owners? 

Don’t expect success overnight, but enjoy the process. 

 

 

What about advice for new mums? 

Trust your gut. If you feel like you should do something your way, do it. Trust what you feel because you know your child the best. 

Be sure to follow Bianca and Flying Sprout on Instagram @flyingsprout

We did a little science experiment today with a few spare tea bags that were lying around. I had this cheeky guy predict what colour the tea might be before observing the reaction to the tea bag once water was added. He also had a teeny tiny sip of each. We're thinking of heading to the World Science Festival while it's on in Brisbane. Have you been? Do you have any great, simple experiments to do with a preschooler? I'd love to do more science experiments at home!

A post shared by Bianca (@flyingsprout) on Mar 23, 2017 at 9:53pm PDT

mini Guide: to Hiring a Nanny & 12 Questions You Need to Ask in an Interview

The team at mini Nanny Agency are the nanny recruitment experts. Our job is to take the legwork out of job postings, preliminary interviews, reference and certification checks to save our clients time and extra resources. We present our clients with a short list of only the ideal candidates to best match your family's nanny needs and values. 

We've put together some points to consider when hiring a nanny for your household as well as 12 key interview questions you might want to ask to get a better idea of how this nanny will fit into your family's routines.

The hours of work

When will your nanny be required to work? Do you need an extra set of hands to help the kids prepare for school in the morning? Do you need them for after-school pickups, entertainment, and dinner until you get home for the evening? Or will they be staying with your young bub for a full-time role? 

Bear in mind, the more hours you can provide a nanny, the easier it will be to find someone who can commit more of their time for your children. 

If you are looking to fill in a part-time position say, twice a week for three hours, your candidates might be looking for more options to fill in work hours or will most likely be a uni student. 

Nanny Duties

Clarify the nanny duties ahead of time so your nanny better understands the offered role and your expectations. What do you consider “light house cleaning” Does this mean general tidying after the children or full on cleaning? Nannies don’t generally like to be full house cleaners but are happy to clean up after the children. Please let the mini team know in advance what you're after so we can find you a nanny to suit your household needs. 

This includes any pet duties: feeding, walking the dogs, changing the turtle cages. Some nannies are happy to do all, just let us know in advance for a heads up for any pet allergies a candidate might have. 

Special requirements: 

Do your children have any special requirements? Would you prefer a nanny who has experience in similar situations or are you willing to educate your nanny about any additional care requirements for your children? 

Interviews

The mini team will set up your interviews to meet with your potential nannies to best convenience your schedule, and we will provide support throughout the process. After all, hiring a nanny is a very important decision for your family and should be treated with the utmost professionalism. 

In the childcare industry, behavioural type questions are a common interviewing style. Behavioural type questions ask your candidates about their past actions and behaviours in specific situations to give you an idea on how they will succeed in future roles.

Read our mini Guide here on behavioural interviewing for nannies. 

12 Questions You Need To Ask

When we send you your shortlist of nannies and prepare for the nanny-family interview, we will provide you the copies of their reference checks, as well as our honest first impressions of the candidates and their overall nanny story. Here are some question to get a better idea of your nanny and clarify some expectations on your first meet and greet. 

1. What are you looking for in an employer? /What are you expecting from me as your potential employer? 

2.Why do you enjoy nannying?

3. Can you recall a specific time you had trouble communicating with a child or parent and what did you do to overcome the situation?

4. Are you willing to travel with us for family vacations? 

5. Can you tell me about the most difficult child/ parent you've worked with and how you handled the situation?

6. Have you ever had to handle an emergency? How did you react?

7. Can you give me some examples of unexpected issues that have come up in your previous jobs and how you and your former employer worked around it?

8. Are you willing to do overnight stays with the children? 

9. What additional responsibilities are you willing to take on as a nanny? (Family PA, house cleaning, tutoring, pet care etc...)

10. What is your child caring and discipline philosophy? 

11. What is your outlook on nutrition for children?

12. Are you willing to sign a confidentiality clause? 

Once you've found your perfect nanny, we will guide you through setting up an employment contract. Here's a quick read on our blog on Nanny-Employer agreements to give you an idea of what is expected from you as a nanny employer from how to pay your nanny, superannuation, insurances,  social media policies, and more.

We're offering peace of mind throughout the hiring process at mini Nanny Agency. So please let us know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns throughout any stage of the employment process. We're happy to help. 

Family Fun Activities in Brisbane

With term three coming to an end and summer just around the corner, it feels like time has whizzed by! When life gets unimaginably busy, don't forget to stop once in a while to enjoy yourselves along the way and spend time with the people who matter most to you. Here's a list of some family friendly activities to do around Brisbane to make the most out of family time. 

Visit a beach around Brisbane

Brisbane living has some really great perks in its location. We're less than a two-hour drive to beautiful Sunshine and Gold Coast for a beach picnic, sand castle building, and of course swimming. If you've got older children, you can sign them up for surfing lessons or stand up paddle-boarding lessons. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen and sunnies! 

Here's a list from Brisbane Kids on the best lesser-known beaches around Brisbane that are perfect for family dates!

Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the first and largest koala sanctuary in Australia. They are home to over 130 koalas as well as dingos, kangaroos, wombats, lizards, platypus and more. 

You can even hand feed the gentlest kangaroos and hold a koala! Lone Pine also offers educational classes where they will teach your kiddos the routines and care of the animals at the sanctuary. 

Free Movie Nights at Lone Pine Markets

Every third Friday of the Month, Lone Pine puts up an outdoor market in their parking lot along with a FREE family movie night under the stars. 

Check out their schedule of upcoming movie dates and times here. 

Power Kids: Little Artists At Play (Brisbane Powerhouse: every Tuesday excluding school holidays from 9 am - 12 pm) 

Here is a free weekly activity you can bring your little one to while their older siblings are in school. Little Artists At Play is a creative workshop for kids ages 0-5 with their parents or caregivers. 

These fun workshops have everything from dance, music, visual arts, digital media and more to inspire your little artists and gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with new kids. 

World Science Festival Brisbane (March 22- 26)

There is an expected high turnout for the World Science Festival Brisbane with 247 participants and exhibitors from 10 countries! If you need another reason to get excited about science, look no further. Check out the full program by age group with your kiddos to see if there are any events that interest you. Some are free, but even the paid events are selling out quick! 

Go whale watching

Brisbane Whale Watching is "just a splash from Brisbane." Enjoy the scenic ride from the city to Redcliffe and spend the day on a ship whale watching and getting educated on Marine life around the coastal area. Lunch is included and the sight of whales are guaranteed. 

Circus Oz: Model Citizens (April 12-15)

The circus is coming to town at the playhouse theatre at QPAC! Circus Oz is Australia's national circus company and does beautifully creative animal-free performances. 

Model Citizen will look at what it means to be a "model citizen" in today's society. There will be acrobatic aerials, juggling, contortion, trapeze, music soundtrack and a light show in the performance. 

If your kids are feeling inspired and are adventurous after the show, you can sign them up for circus classes around Brisbane here. 
 

What are your favourite Brisbane-area activities with your kiddos? Leave us a comment or tag us in your social media @minimajer or hashtag #mininannies. 

mini Guide: How To Nail A Nanny Interview

Congratulations! Your crisp resume with stellar experience, impeccably written cover letter, and admirable references have gotten you to the interview stage of the hiring process. 

We don’t need to tell you that first impressions are everything when it comes to the job hunt. As a nanny, it’s even more important to present your very best as nannies care for the most important people in the parents’ lives in the intimacy of the family’s own home. Parents aren’t just going to let anyone into their private life, so coming across nurturing, trustworthy, and dependable is essential to nailing your nanny interview. 

Behavioural type questions are the most common interviewing style in the childcare industry. Behavioural interviewing is based on the philosophy that your past actions and behaviours will be a good indicator of your future actions. Therefore, how you handled certain circumstances in your previous roles will be used as an indicator of how you might perform in your new job. 

What are behavioural type questions? 

 Behavioural questions differ from standard interview questions as they focus more on emotional intelligence and social management from specific past experiences. For the interviewer, it will reveal whether you have the appropriate skills to fulfil the role successfully. 

How to answer behavioural type questions:

The best method to answering behavioural type questions is with the STAR method.

Situation: The interviewer wants you to present a recent challenge. 

Task: What did you have to achieve in this situation. 

Action: How did you behave in that difficult situation. The interviewer will be looking for information on what you did, why you did it, and what the alternatives were for your actions. 

Results: What were the outcomes of your actions? What did you achieve through your actions and did you meet your objectives? What did you learn from this experience and have you used this learning since? Are these results going to help with your role with the family as a nanny?

Pre-Interview Exercise using STAR method: 

Write down between 5- 10 examples of your education, professional experience, community work, volunteering, etc. where you added value to the team in a positive way. 

Now using the STAR format write out the Situation, Task, Action, and Result

Here’s a list of some behavioural style questions that you might want to read over and think about ways you can answer them:

•What have you done in the past to prevent a situation from becoming too stressful for you to handle?

• Describe a situation that required you to do a number of tasks at the same time. How did you prioritise? 

•Tell me about a situation in which you have had to adjust to changes over which you had no control. How did you handle it?

•What obstacles or difficulties have you ever faced in communicating your ideas or concerns to parents/children?

•When was the last time you thought “outside the box” and how did you do it? Why?

•Give me an example of a time when you had to be quick in coming to a decision. What made it difficult for you?

•What, in your opinion, are the key ingredients in maintaining a work-personal life balance?

It’s important that you’re prepared to answer these types of questions with concrete answers and confidence. Your interviewer will be looking to see that you are quick with an intelligent answer and are capable of coming up with a relevant solution to their problems. 

Body language

Body language is a form of nonverbal communication that oftentimes tell your interviewer more than your words can communicate. Your energy comes off from how you carry yourself, so make sure your energy exudes radiance, positivity, and confidence. 

There are subtleties you can practice that are known to psychologically help you genuinely bring out that beautiful positive energy from your body language. 

Posture: 

If you're sitting like this, you're doing it wrong!

Keep your core contained and engaged, your ribcage turned inward, and your shoulders rolled back gently. Carrying your body with good posture in an interview lets your interviewer know that you are interested, alert, put-together, and confident. 

Here’s a Huffington Post article on posture tips and tricks to work great posture into your everyday life. 

Eye Contact: 

Eyes can convey so much expression.

There are moments your close friends and loved ones can tell what’s on your mind by just a look. Locking eyes is a genuine form of communication as our eyes have so much to say. Eye contact with your interviewer demonstrates you are engaged with what they have to communicate. 

Mirroring: 

Mirroring is a non-verbal form of flatter.

The key here is in the subtleties-- you don’t want to come off looking crazy. Mirroring is a nonverbal form of flattery. It communicates that you and the interviewer are on the same page. It can make first impressions more comfortable for both of you. Mirroring posture, seating position, and facial expressions, and tone of voice are subtle forms of practice. 

Body Spacing: 

Don't be afraid to own up to some space. It will make you look more inviting and self-assured 

As a general context, this has a lot to do with how much space your body is physically occupying. Taking up as much space as possible with arms wide and relaxed on a backrest of a sofa, legs stretched out and sprawling is an obnoxious way of carrying yourself as it portrays arrogance and laziness. 

Taking as little space as possible: bad posture and crossed arms and legs will give off the impression that you are nervous, defensive, or have something to hide.

Try to be more conscious of how much space your body takes in your next social interactions and take note of others. 

Follow up quickly

Keep it professional. These families are busy. Which is the reason they are looking to hire a nanny in the first place. Send them a handwritten thank you or at the very least, an e-mail expressing appreciation for their time to meet with you and send it promptly after the meeting. 

Good luck on your interviews, nannies! Let us know if you have any nanny interview questions or tips that we can share in the nanny community. 

Meet Nanny Gemma

It's with great pleasure that the mini team introduce nanny Gemma a.k.a  Jimjams. She’s a full-time Mary Poppins to a beautiful family with 4 children plus a cat and a big dog. 

Gemma loves campervan camping and is a major foodie. She loves to dine out for inspiration to take back into her kitchen where she enjoys creating delicious and nutritious meals from scratch.

How did you get started with mini Nanny Agency? 

It was fate meeting Michelle at a yoga and wellness centre in New Farm. Nannying sort of just made sense for me. Michelle and I connected straight away and had an amazing discussion about our passions. 

I had 10 years of experience running salons and a photography studio which came out of a love of being around people and helping them feel beautiful in their own skin. 

I have always enjoyed working with kids and making them laugh, entertaining them, and having fun. Meeting Michelle and nannying felt like it was all meant to be for me.

What is the day in the life of Nanny Jimjams?

I get up with the sun and am with the family for 6 am. School drop-offs and household duties are part of my morning routine. I make all meals from scratch, keep the house immaculate, and act as a personal assistant to the parents. 

Breakfast has to be nourishing and slow-carb releasing as the kids have such big days! The breakfast winner at the moment is the “avocado smush.” It’s avo and feta on whole grain toast. 

I braid the girls’ hair, tidy the kitchen and check to see that the kids' bed made. At 7:10 it’s a swift exit to the schools and pre-school sports activities! It’s a busy morning, but things start to slow down without the kids around so I do the cleaning, washing, errands and walk the dog. 

What has been your favourite moment as a nanny? 

I can’t get enough one on one time with each child. I love getting hugs and reading books together. The best moments are filled with affection and literally laughing till our bellies ache! 

What has been your greatest challenge as a nanny?

For me, the most challenging thing about being a nanny is creating boundaries and knowing when to step back and when to jump in with both feet.

There’s a lot of learning to do about yourself in the nannying career just as there is to learn about kids and families which makes this role so much more rewarding.

What’s the best thing a parent has done to make you feel appreciated? 

I got a phone call the other night from the kids screaming “love ya! Thank you for everything you do for us!” That was pretty cute! A quiet thank you is always much appreciated. 

What’s the soundtrack to your life at the moment?

The kids and I love blasting the car stereo to Bruno Mars! 

When you’re not on nanny duties, what inspires nanny Gemma?

My partner and I just bought a camper van, so it’s the gypsy life for me! We love Byron Bay and spend our weekends outside soaking in the ocean spray, paddle-boarding, and winding down the day eating the best slow cooked brisket! 

Beautiful Byron Bay light house 

I train at gym 4 days a week and love yoga and catch ups with friends over food, of course! I’m always keeping an eye out for new restaurants to try. 

Best advice for new nannies? 

A nanny has to understand different personalities in a family and finding the best way to meet everyone's needs to offer the best support. 

I know with teenage boys it’s more of a stern approach. You need to treat them like men and give them that bit of autonomy that they crave. I am there to support them into becoming more independent. With the girls, it’s always more of a trade and compromising. Homework first and baking after. 

With the parents, you need to be able to anticipate their needs to the best of your ability. Be the best support possible and go beyond to exceed their expectations. 

What do you wish parents and outsiders looking in would understand about being a nanny and the nanny field in general? 

The stereotype of the nanny life is that we just play with kids all day, but in reality, nannying requires a lot of emotional support to the parents, diplomacy, and patience. 

There are days that are tough and mentally draining, but there more days that you feel like you made a difference than not. It's a lot of hard work, but it is definitely rewarding.

Since you're such a foodie, what are your favourite Brisbane restaurants and what should I order? 

Depending on what you enjoy, Katrina, my fav restaurant in Brisbane is Survey Co in the city. Survey co is all about the fresh locally sourced produce and excellent service- the owner takes your order! It’s a little expensive, but it’s the best I have been too! 

On a weekend, I love Miami Marketta.  Marketta is like Eat Street markets but better! It’s full of cocktail bars and has a dance floor. Last weekend, I had the best damn chicken burger of my life!! 

You can’t go wrong with Rouge in Newstead for brekkie dates and cute date nights. The pancakes are legendary!! 

mini Guide: Nanny Employment Agreement

We believe hiring a nanny should have a similar process, (if not more important) to hiring any other employee for your business. We recommend you take a professional approach for your nanny search.

Upon finding the perfect nanny for your family, as with any hiring situation, an employment agreement should be established. This is a formal letter that will be signed by both parties in agreement to the clear expectations for role from the employer and the employee.

Let us help you iron out the key points that should be included in an nanny employment agreement.

How much do we pay our nanny?

In Australia on average, nannies earn $25/ hour + superannuation. This rate, of course, can fluctuate depending on how much experience your nanny has, their qualifications, and how many children they will be caring for. The casual rate currently is set at $22.86/ hour and the permanent rate currently stands at
$18.29 /hour. Nannies are award free and don't incur any penalities, although they are covered by the  National Employment Standard.

One of the  benefits of hiring a nanny over a babysitter or daycare is that nannies make their schedules more available to your family and are more willing to accommodate for extra hours. Sometimes life can get extra busy for your family. If you require your nanny to work outside of the set schedule or longer hours, include an agreed upon overtime rate or appropriate renumeration.

Car allowance

Will your nanny need to pick your kids up from school? Or drive your kids to their extra-curricular activities? Consider how much petrol your nanny will be using for the role and how you will reimburse for fuel / kilometers. The current kilometer rate stands at 0.66 cents. If it makes it easier, will your nanny have access to a family car and will you need to get additional insurance?

Superannuation

Superannuation, if you pay an employee $450 or more (before tax) in a calendar month, you have to pay super - 9.5% on top of their wages. You pay super no matter whether the employee is full time, part time or casual. You have to pay super for some contractors, even if they quote an Australian business number (ABN).

Superannuation is calculated at 9.5% of your nanny’s gross wage and is to be paid out quarterly. 

Income Tax

As the employer, you are required to register for a Pay As You Go Withholding (PAYGW) with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Once registered with the ATO, you will be required to withhold the necessary tax from you Nanny’s wage and forward the withholding amounts to the ATO on a quarterly basis.

Applications for PAYGW.

Insurances

•Domestic Workers Compensation or household workers insurance, is essential if you employ someone in your home environment; it can be obtained at an estimated cost of $40 per year from most insurance companies and covers you in the unfortunate case of the employee injuring themselves whilst in your home. Contact WorkCover QLD.

•Public Liability Insurance cover accidents in your home. You should check your Homes and Contents insurance policy to ensure your Nanny is covered. Alternatively you may arrange public liability insurance with an insurer such as NannySure.

•Motor Vehicle Insurance if your Nanny is going to be using your car.

•Nanny Insurance all nannies should have their own public liability/insurance. Nannysure – is a company that we recommend.

Behavioural Expectations

The Early Childhood Code of Ethics is a set of statements about appropriate and expected behaviour of childcare professionals. Your nanny will be spending a lot of time with your children and the code of ethics reiterates that acting ethical involves thinking about everyday actions and decision making and responding with respect to all concerned.

Behavioural expectations can also include policies on social media and matters of family privacy.

Other points to be considered in an employment agreement:

•Days and hours worked (including start and finishing time)

•When and how your nanny will be paid

•Specific duties and any additional duties (will housekeeping be a part of the role?)

•Annual recreation leave, sick leave, special leave, pay on public holidays etc

•Conditions of salary review

•Conditions of termination

According to the Queensland Government, as the employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your nanny has a valid Blue Card for childcare or you will need to support your nanny’s application for one.

The mini team handles the preliminary screening process that comes with running the advertisement campaign in search of your nanny. The screening includes reference checks and qualifications (Blue Card, CPR certifications, Driver’s license, police checks) before we introduce you to your short list of nanny candidates.

We are also available to help you along the employing direct process should you have any questions concerning your nanny and your role as an employer.

Let us know if you had any comments or concerns regarding creating an employment agreement, and we will be happy to help you out.

Meet Casual Kid-Sitter, Justin

By: Katrina Lubiano

Let me introduce you to our Canadian, casual kid-sitter, Justin, avid mountain climber, forest forager, and botany hobbyist. Justin studies health sciences at Torrens University in the Valley, works as a freelance web developer, and is the brains behind natural health sciences website, The Sunlight Experiment. 

How did you come across mini Nanny Agency? 

My girlfriend [lucky me] found out about mini first, actually. She started a temp-nannying contract with the Majers looking after their 8-year-old son, Henry. 

We would pick Henry up together after school on Fridays and take the City Cat to Southbank and play Pokemon Go. Henry and I got along really well right off the bat. 

It was really sad when the contract ended for all of us since the Majers became like family to us. Katrina ended up getting another nannying gig, but I still meet him weekly for tutoring sessions. 

What do you enjoy most about kid-sitting Henry? 

I like picking his brain. He gives me a fresh perspective, and he can talk about ANYTHING. I ask him all kinds of deep questions and he always has an answer. I don’t think he knows it yet, but the kid is a comedic genius.  

What are your and Henry’s favourite activities together?

He loves gaming on his iPod. Henry gets really into them. We talk about Pokemon Go and Clash of Clans a lot. When he was really into Pokemon Go, we would go on adventures and catch Pokemon around the neighbourhood or go to South Bank. 

Katrina, Henry, Casey (our friend visiting from Canada), and I went on a day adventure during summer holidays to Mount Tamborine. We had a good time playing 21 questions in the car, checking out the cool shops on the strip, and walked down to the waterfalls there. He fell asleep right when he got home. 

What is the day in the life of Justin look like? 

I go to school and stick around to put in some freelance work. The Power Station cafe in the school makes the best cappuccinos. I’ll sometimes drink 3 in a day if I need to get a lot of work done. 

If I'm with Henry that afternoon, I’ll head to his house for the usual routine. Otherwise, I’ll stay at school the whole day to work and study. 

In the evenings, I like to indoor rock climb at Urban Climb in Newstead or I’ll go for a 10 km run along the river.  

Can you tell us a bit about how you started The Sunlight Experiment? 

It’s was a blog and database to help me organise everything I’ve learned from my experimental botany back in Canada. It has since evolved to include a large database of reference for my health science studies now. My focus has always been on plant based medicine and bioprospecting. It’s a lot of hard work, and it keeps growing, so it’s really rewarding to see how many people actually read it!

What do your plans in Australia look like?

I have about a year left in uni. I finish August 2018 and I plan on going back to Canada for a little while. I guess before I go, I just want to learn as much as I can.

My parents are coming to visit soon, and some friends in feb. It will be a lot of fun showing them around, and seeing Brisbane again through fresh eyes. 

Make Homemade Valentine's Day Treats With Your Kids

Chocolate, Sweetheart lollies, flowers, heart-shaped everything, and corny hand-written cards. Love is in the air! It's nice to remind your loved ones you care about them with sweet gifts--and we know the best gifts come from the heart and are DIY! Valentine’s day is upon us, and it’s the perfect opportunity to have a little crafty fun at home with your kids. Here’s a few tasty treats, and sweet hand-made crafts you and your kids will love making and gifting together.

Chocolate Dipped Fruit!

Covering fruit in decadent chocolate is as much fun to make as it is to look at, and even more fun to eat! Bonus: It's as easy as it sounds to make. 

You’ll need:

• Chocolate chips (if you’re feeling fancy, get white chocolate as well)
• Fruit (Strawberry and bananas are a classic but kiwi, pineapples, and mandarin oranges are also delicious dipped in chocolate)
• Get creative: crushed almonds, sprinkles, and shredded coconut make for tasty and decorative accents for your treats or you can attempt to draw your favourite anime character on a cute little strawberry like I did here (can you guess who this character is?) 

A photo posted by Katrina Lubiano (@klubiano) on Aug 14, 2013 at 4:23pm PDT

Method:

• Wash and dry fruit to prepare them for chocolatey goodness (make sure the fruit is thoroughly dried or else the chocolate won’t stick). This is an easy step the kids can do.
• The supervised adult will have to do melting duties.
• If you don’t have a double boiler, a glass bowl that fits over a pot half filled with boiling water will do the trick to slowly melt down the chocolate. Here’s a makeshift double boiler tutorial.
• Once the chocolate is melted, carefully remove from the pot and place on a coaster to protect any surfaces from being burnt.
• Use a spoon to coat your fruit, or you can skewer them and dip them into the chocolate bowl.
• Lay them out to dry on a baking tray lined with wax paper and let them cool in the fridge until the chocolate solidifies.

The hardest part of this DIY is not eating them all. Remember, they're for your valentines!

Breakfast in Bed

"All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast." Valentine's day breakfast in bed is one of the best ways to start the day with your loves! Turn a simple pancake recipe into a Valentine's day treat with a simple trick.

Heart shaped pancakes! 

• Get your favourite pancake recipe ready. We love this classic fluffy pancake.
• Up-cycle an old condiment bottle, or purchase one at your local reject shop and pour the batter into the bottle
• On medium heat, pour or “draw” your pancake batter onto the non-stick skillet into the shape of a heart or let your imagination take it from here.
• Decorate your heart shaped pancakes and serve with love with your valentine's favourite morning beverage. 
• Here’s a video tutorial on fun shapes you and your child can make with this pancake squeeze bottle method.

Layer jam and top with whipped cream and edible flowers for WOW factor, 

DIY Valentine's Day Cards

Skip out on store bought cards and make your own! Be sure to fill it with words from the heart. 

The Wall Street Journal posted this article on the lost art of the handwritten note. The act of physically writing down your feelings is important for understanding ourselves and has an undeniably raw ability to send a genuine sentiment to a loved one. You and your kids can bring back the art of handwriting sentiments and spread the love with the simplest DIY! All you really need for this DIY is paper, markers, your imagination and maybe stickers!

We love this sewn heart card from Pinterest.

How cute is this project from Hello, Wonderful?

You will need:

• Cardstock 
• Different coloured embroidery thread. If you use a thick enough yarn, this DIY will be needle free
• A Needle (use a plastic needle)

The craft

• Have the adult poke out the holes in the shape desired
• Thread the needle with a knot at the end thick enough, so that the thread does not pass through the first hole 
• Carry the thread or yarn across the shape back and fourth for desired pattern. 

Please tag us @mininannyagency and #mininannies to show us your Valentine's day themed DIY with your kids!

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